Release day for The Last Front arrives with unprecedented support. Eden sends champagne with congratulations from Daniella, June’s Instagram post surges, and booksellers spotlight the title. National outlets review the book, and the evening launch at Politics and Prose—where June once attended others’ star events—promises vindication after her earlier touring humiliations.

The store is overflowing. June selects a passage she largely wrote, delivers it smoothly, and revels in the audience’s attention. The Q&A flatters her expertise and persona; she feels chosen, improvising confidently and basking in her newfound status.

Then June spots Athena—emerald shawl, unmistakable—sitting in the front row. Shock shatters her composure; the Q&A stumbles. During signing, she fumbles names as staff hurry the line and the store manager quietly arranges her ride home. The night’s triumph is marred by dread and confusion.

Back in her apartment, June’s panic peaks. She uses Dr. Gaily’s grounding checklist to steady herself, then scours social media for corroboration of Athena’s presence. She finds none—only a tweet from an audience member saying the event felt as if Athena’s ghost was in the room—leaving June isolated with her fear and guilt.